Nothing ruins the fun of a road trip like trailer sway. One moment, you’re driving along peacefully; the next, you’re struggling to control both the travel trailer and the tow vehicle. Travel trailers are large and heavy — once they start moving in one direction, they’re hard to stop. When you understand the forces that affect your RV, you can take steps to prevent it from swaying and tipping. For more information, visit us at Maple Grove RV in Bellevue, Washington, serving Seattle.
Balance the Weight Distribution
Weight distribution inside the travel trailer makes a difference in the way it moves behind your tow vehicle. An uneven load can lead to fishtailing, swaying, and tipping. The RV itself is already balanced; you can maintain this equilibrium by spreading cargo weight evenly through the rig. It’s also important to stay within the maximum weight limits of the rig and the tow vehicle.
Hitch Your Trailer Correctly
If your hitch is mounted or adjusted incorrectly, the travel trailer is more likely to sway. Always use the hitch equipment that’s recommended by the trailer manufacturer. Are you new to towing? Consider visiting a dealership or an RV technician to help you install and adjust your hitch properly. A sway-control hitch can help reduce side-to-side movements, particularly if you have a large rig.
Understand the Effects of Wind
Wind is one of the biggest causes of trailer sway and tipping. In gusty weather, a travel trailer acts like a sail. Avoid driving if winds reach 50 mph, particularly if you have a larger RV. Keep in mind that semi trucks can cause sudden gusts—if a large truck starts to pass you, slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and make gentle steering corrections to counteract the air pressure.
Moderate Steering and Braking
When you’re towing a travel trailer, it’s important to avoid sudden braking or steering movements. Since the trailer can’t stop or change direction as fast as the vehicle can, it’s likely to start swaying. Give yourself plenty of time to slow down, and lift your foot off the accelerator rather than stepping hard on the brakes. When you go around a corner, reduce your speed and steer gently.
Maintain Safe Tire Pressure
Before you hit the road, check the air pressure on all of your tires, and make sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer-recommended levels. Low pressure is particularly dangerous—it reduces the amount of weight both vehicles can support, which causes problems on the road.
Many RV owners deal with trailer sway at some point. With the proper hitch equipment, tire pressure, load distribution, and driving habits, you can keep your rig safe and upright. If you need help finding the right hitch, tow vehicle, or travel trailer, contact our experienced team at Maple Grove RV, or stop by our location in Bellevue, Washington. We also serve RV owners from across Seattle.
